IVF Success Rates Depend On the Doctor Performing the Embryo Transfer
Yes, meaningfully -- a study of 19,824 cycles across 32 doctors found ongoing pregnancy rates ranging from 8% (lowest-performing doctor) to 29% (highest), with the researchers noting that years of experience didn't reliably predict skill.
There are countless factors that determine whether a good-looking embryo actually "sticks" -- but have you considered whether the specific person performing the transfer matters?
A 10-year study comparing doctors
A study published in Human Reproduction in February 2020 looked at ongoing pregnancy rates (pregnancies lasting past 12 weeks) and compared outcomes by which doctor performed the transfer. In total, researchers analyzed 19,824 cycles over a 10-year period, involving 32 different doctors.
The results
It did matter, and by a wide margin: pregnancy rates ranged from just 8% for the lowest-performing doctor to 29% for the best-performing one. Interestingly, experience -- measured by how many transfers a doctor had performed -- didn't reliably predict better outcomes. The researchers' own conclusion: "experience does not assure proficiency for everyone." Worth some food for thought if your clinic has more than one doctor performing transfers.
Reference
Cirillo et al. (2020). Human Reproduction, 35(2), 275–282.
Common questions
Does more experience mean a doctor is better at embryo transfers?
Not necessarily, according to this study -- the researchers specifically concluded that "experience does not assure proficiency for everyone."
Can I ask which doctor will perform my transfer?
It's a completely reasonable question to raise with your clinic, especially at practices with multiple physicians doing transfers.